inverness winter 2005 copy

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

MagazineInverness

ExclusivelyInverness

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

Magazine

WINTER 2005WINTER 2005

Exclusively

StunningBraymore Beauty

Recap 2004Home Sales

StunningBraymore Beauty

Recap 2004Home Sales

We’re Your Bank

BENSENVILLE

BLOOMINGDALE

ELGIN

INVERNESS

NAPERVILLE

Your Community’s BankEQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Located in Inverness for more than 13 years, Royal American is acommunity bank that understands your community. At Royal,you’ll find a full-service financial institution that provides an

exceptional level of attention, support and expertise.

We offer:• Comprehensive banking, including

free checking, interest bearing checking, money market accounts, CDs, savingsaccounts, mortgage and personal loans, ATM and debit cards, online banking, and access to surcharge-free ATMs worldwide.

• Full-service trust department,providing financial planning, investment management and trust administration.

• Personalized solutions, designed to meet your specific financial needs and goals.

We invite you to visit us in Williamsburg Village (located

at the corner of Roselle and Euclid Roads), 1604 W. Colonial Parkway. Call us at 884477-220022-88330000 and ask for President and Shareholder Kelly O’Keeffe,or visit our website at www.royalamerican.com.

www.ExclusivelyInverness.com Exclusively Inverness 1

Information contained throughout this magazine deemed reliablebut not guaranteed. Copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.Exclusively Inverness is a trademark of Exclusive Publications.

contentsWINTER 2005le t ter

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1695 S. BRAYMOREI n v e r n e s s

DOLLARS & SENCE b y E r i c Fr e c k m a n

R E C A P 2 0 0 4H o m e S a l e s

Once again we are all in winter’s grip. But with thepromise of spring soon to come, spirits should be on therise and we will be enjoying the outdoors in no time.

In 2004, Inverness posted an impressive year for homesales. With a marginally lower sales volume than 2003,single-family home prices in 2004 rose a whopping 9.8%according to statistics compiled from the MultipleListing Service of Northern Illinois. Similarly, attachedsingle-family homes climbed 9.2%. I believe these num-bers reflect the increasing desirability of this community.

This issue features a stunning French country manorbuilt by Harris Builders in the Braymore of Invernesssubdivision. This home is truly spectacular and is sure tobe something special for someone. Also, we recappedInverness’ 2004 home sales for a comprehensive look atthe past year.

Please enjoy this winter edition of Exclusively Invernessmagazine.

Chris JacobsBroker AssociateRE/MAX Countryside

2 Exclusively Inverness WINTER 2005

1695 S. BRAYMOREI N V E R N E S S


hen one dreams of luxury, this lakefrontproperty is the home those dreams are made

of. Built within the exclusive Braymore of Invernessneighborhood, Harris Builders offers this Frenchcountry manor with approximately 11,000 square feetof living space.

A dramatic two-story foyer with beautiful marblefloors carries you into the great room, complete withtwo-story volume ceiling. Your eyes are immediatelydrawn to huge windows overlooking the lake, fram-ing the changing seasons. A limestone gas fireplaceruns from floor to ceiling and compliments the stun-ning chandelier, which draws you to notice the rich

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Continues on page 5.

mahogany ceiling beams. Vibrant Brazilian cherrywood floors lead you right into the gourmet kitchen.

Here, glazed cabinetry with exquisite detail fills theroom. The glass windowed doors and interior light-ing are sure to allow you to showcase your finestpieces. A luxury kitchen like this requires granitecounters. Specialty lighting underneath the cabinetsbrings them to life. The look is carried onto a largeisland, which includes a vegetable sink. Rich cherrywood covers all four sides and once again the detail-ing cannot be missed. All your new appliances blendin perfectly with the custom cabinetry.

In the adjoining breakfast room the view is onceagain breathtaking, and the amount of space will


Eric FreckmanCFP®

Identify your objectivesand review them regu-larly. –Imagine thesuper bowl game with-out a goal! There couldbe no winner! Toaccomplish your finan-cial goals, you mustknow what they are.

Are you saving for college? Retirement? A newhome? Whatever the goal might be, your financialplan must fit that goal. Your objectives must be meas-urable so you can compare your current status withyour future goal. Obviously, things will not alwaysgo as planned, but having the goals set and regularlymaking needed adjustments is far better than blindlyhoping for the best.

Review and adjust your Asset Allocation. –Allocatingyour portfolio properly will allow you to limit yourrisk and accomplish your goals. First of all, deter-mine your personal risk tolerance and on that basis,establish the most effective combination of stocksand bonds. The stock category should be divided fur-ther into large, small and international stocks*. If thishas not been done lately, the start of this New Year isa great time to for an analysis. Our company policy isto review this for every client, every month. It is thatcritical.

Shorten bond maturities. – Over the past months, theFederal Reserve has started to raise interest rates. Therate on the 10-year Treasury bond has gone from

3.64% in March of 2002 to 4.29% in January of2005**. It is possible—some would say likely—thatrates will continue to rise. As interest rates rise, theprice of bonds declines, so it is possible to losemoney in bonds. Any current or future long-termbond investments should be carefully evaluated.

Know the Tax Law Changes – Understanding therecent changes in the law is vital to making sure youmost effectively limit your tax liability. The 2005401(k) maximum is now $14,000 per year and$18,000 if you are over age 50. The Roth andTraditional IRA contribution limit is $4,000 and$4,500 if you are over age 50 subject to income limi-tations. The annual gift exclusion is $11,000. Longterm capital gains and qualified dividend tax rateswill remain at 15% for most taxpayers. SocialSecurity FICA tax will be collected on wages up to$90,000. There is no ceiling on the Medicare FICAtax. The estate tax exclusion will stay at $1,500,000until 2006 when it moves up to $2,000,000. Takingadvantage of these and other changes could help youimprove your financial future.

Take action now - Procrastination is the greatestenemy of successful financial management. Whetherparalyzed by fear or handicapped by busyness, youcannot get to your goal unless you begin. Set one ortwo realistic action steps, establish a date for achiev-ing those steps, and then do it. The feeling of accom-plishment and the realization of intermediate goalswill start you on your way toward financial success.

Eric Freckman, CFP®, is a registered representative with and offers securitiesthrough Linsco/Private Ledger Member NASD/SIPC*International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation andpolitically instability. The prices of small company stocks are generally morevolatile than those of large companies. **United States Federal Reserve Bank

Dollars & Sense:

“To Do’s” F o r

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entice you to entertain. There is also a butler’s pantry,complete with wine cooler, leading you into the for-mal dining room. Cathedral ceilings, wainscoting onthe walls and a beautiful bay window make this roomone of the builder’s personal favorites.

On the opposite end of the first floor you’ll find themaster suite with a fireplace, two walk-in closets anda stunning private bath, truly one of the most elegantrooms in the home. The bath comes to life through anamazing mix of marble surfaces. There are largecounter vanities, which include two sinks. Truly themost spectacular features are the designer whirlpooltub and oversized shower, a must see. Combine thatwith a spectacular view and leaving this room ontime in the morning, could prove to be extremelychallenging.

Next to the master suite is the library. Richmahogany bookcases and ceiling beams are waitingimpatiently to house your literary collection.



There is also a sunroom on the first floor. A muralpainted on the far wall encourages you to relax andenjoy a beautiful afternoon in the country. The paint-ing really gives the room its personality, and is show-cased perfectly against the limestone floor. More bigbeautiful windows cover another wall, along with aglass door leading you to one of two brick patios.

Finishing first floor touches include two powderrooms, marble can be found in both. One has a lime-stone floor, the other Brazilian cherry.

A much different type of luxury is found on the lowerlevel of the manor. A cherry wood bar sits in the cen-ter of the room. While it does not come fully stocked,it does have a refrigerator, dishwasher andmicrowave oven. The counters on the bar are granite,and bar glasses can be stored overhead. There is alsoa wine cellar on this level, which holds 2,200 bottlesof wine!

Watch a movie in your home theatre. Don’t worry

Home Sales

2 0 0 4

SOLD6 Exclusively Inverness WINTER 2005

Listed in alphabetical order by street name.

Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois. Information herein deemed reliable but not warranted.

I n v e r n e s sI n v e r n e s s1963 ABBOTSFORD DRIVE $ 800,000 06/28/20042031 ABBOTSFORD DRIVE $ 680,000 05/25/20041975 ABBOTSFORD $ 675,000 09/02/20042035 ABBOTSFORD $ 792,800 12/09/20041092 ABERDEEN LN $ 742,000 09/01/20041075 ABERDEEN ROAD $ 580,000 11/08/20041148 ABERDEEN $ 765,000 07/01/2004187 APPLEBY ROAD $ 563,000 10/01/20041500 APPLEBY ROAD $ 580,000 09/21/20041865 BALDWIN ROAD $ 575,000 07/26/20041400 BANBURY $ 1,147,000 05/24/20042069 BANBURY $ 600,000 09/29/20041660 BEAVER POND $ 640,000 07/26/2004982 BLACKBURN DRIVE $ 578,000 06/01/2004172 BLAIR LANE $ 510,000 11/04/2004203 BRADWELL $ 350,000 04/22/20041700 S BRAYMORE DR $ 975,000 07/23/200413 CARNOUSTIE $ 1,125,000 08/13/2004863 CHIMNEY ROCK $ 541,000 05/26/200413 CULZEAN $ 366,500 06/01/2004366 CUMNOCK ROAD $ 665,000 08/02/200490 DIRLETON $ 390,000 04/16/20041626 DUBLIN $ 1,150,000 09/07/20041646 DUNBAR $ 535,000 05/12/2004361 N ELA RD. $ 287,000 03/15/2004100 N ELA ROAD $ 415,000 08/20/2004123 S ELA ROAD $ 480,000 01/05/20041726 GALLOWAY CIRCLE $ 867,000 08/25/2004567 GLEN EAGLES COURT $ 745,000 01/30/2004317 GRAYFRIARS LANE $ 580,000 08/18/2004110 S HAMAN $ 439,000 08/30/2004 2107 HARROW GATE DRIVE $ 625,000 10/27/200455 N HIGHLAND RD $ 609,500 10/28/2004144 HIGHLAND ROAD $ 989,000 08/12/2004833 INVERWAY $ 784,500 11/23/2004102 KILCHURN LANE $ 447,500 03/26/20041019 KIRKWOOD DRIVE $ 717,500 12/20/2004LOT 26 LAUDER LANE $ 1,070,000 04/22/2004


If your property is currently listed with another real estate Broker, please disregard this message.

Having your home showcased to thousands of potential buyers through Exclusively Invernessmagazine is just one of the ways The Chris Jacobs Team does things better. Professional market-ing to the right clientele is how we set ourselves apart from the rest.

Just some of what you should be looking for from your Broker:Maximum MLS exposureProfessional digital photography, inside and outside7 days a week newspaper advertising7days a week Real Estate Book advertisingWeekly written reportsComprehensive premium internet marketingand more...

“With over $140,000,000 in sales since 1999, my team has the knowledge, experience and expertiseyou should expect when selecting your REALTOR. We are full-time real estate professionals with thetools and resources to provide the level of service you deserve.”

Chris JacobsBroker Associate

TTTTTTT

THE CHRIS JACOBS TEAM

Office: 847-934-6600Direct: 847-963-0400

Countryside

Katherine JacobsBuyer Specialist

Heidi DoeringBuyer Specialist

Email: [email protected] office independently owned and operated

SHOULD YOUR

PROPERTY BE A

FEATURED HOME?

SHOULD YOUR

PROPERTY BE A

FEATURED HOME?

The Law Offices OfJohn A. Tatooles

andAssociates

A General Full-Service Practice Law Firm, dedicated to providing legal services to our clients in a personal, effective and timely manner.

SUBSTANTIVE AREAS of LAW:• GENERAL CIVIL TRIAL PRACTICE• REAL ESTATE• CORPORATIONS and PARTNERSHIPS• ESTATE PLANNING• PROBATE ADMINISTRATION• WILLS and TRUSTS• FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE• PERSONAL INJURY• BUSINESS and TRANSACTIONAL LAW

Offices Located atWILLIAMSBURG VILLAGE, INVERNESS

1601 Colonial ParkwayInverness, Illinois 60067

(847) 202-0300

about missing any action on your 106” projection screenwith surround sound. A master control panel gives you thepower most can only dream about. This portion of the lowerlevel also has indirect lighting, perfect for any audience.

A beautiful stone fireplace is flanked by two sets of doubledoors, which lead you to the second brick patio. Both thelower level and first level patios are linked with a stunning,stone staircase.

There’s an exercise room withaudio/video hookup that is also compat-ible with satellite television. After yourworkout enjoy some time in the steamroom, and then head to your very ownlocker room with double showers.

Thinking about hosting a floor hockey,soccer or tennis competition? Createthe plans in your two game rooms, andthen head over to the sports center! It’slocated just below the garage and hasan extremely durable floor. It’s the per-fect amount of space for any sports buffto go wild! Also, those game rooms caneasily be converted into one large guestsuite.



We’re yourneighbors…

let us beyour guides.

Guiding individuals andbusiness owners

through the financialtransitions of life

with fee-basedcomprehensive

WEALTHMANAGEMENT

SERVICES.

Ruth GuillaumeEric Freckman, CFP™

Williamsburg Village1625 Colonial ParkwayInverness, [email protected] to schedule a free no obligation consultation.

LPLFINANCIALSERVICES

Linsco/Private LedgerMember NASD/SIPC

On the second floor you’ll find four large bedrooms, allhaving decorative ceilings. Each room also has access toa private bath, a ceiling fan and walk-in closet. A spa-cious loft area overlooks your dining room.

The four car garage features stained coach house doors.The quality is really top of the line. In fact, all the doorsin the home are worth admiring since they are all madeof mahogany.

This luxurious, lakefront manor promises to help youlive the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Offered at $3,290,000


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTChris [email protected]

Home Sales

2 0 0 4I n v e r n e s sI n v e r n e s s

SOLD

Listed in alphabetical order by street name.

Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois. Information herein deemed reliable but not warranted.

925 MUIRFIELD $ 687,900 04/22/20041023 MUIRFIELD $ 935,000 06/01/2004178 OLD WICK LANE $ 515,000 02/20/2004198 OLD WICK LANE $ 527,500 07/01/20042002 PALATINE ROAD $ 381,500 08/19/20041519 W PALATINE ROAD $ 670,000 08/12/2004376 S PLYMOUTH DR $ 1,140,000 10/01/20041968 PRESTWICK DRIVE $ 700,000 05/11/200441 RAVENSCRAIG LANE $ 562,000 06/17/200439 RAVENSCRAIG $ 521,000 01/12/2004232 ROBERTS ROAD $ 760,000 05/28/2004229 S ROBERTS ROAD $ 860,083 10/07/2004598 SCOTS CT $ 500,000 09/13/20042207 SHETLAND ROAD $ 635,000 06/25/20041332 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 410,000 05/18/20041362 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 273,000 09/28/20041433 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 371,000 09/16/20041436 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 334,000 05/03/20041441 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 340,000 12/04/20041473 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 358,500 08/09/20041475 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 351,250 01/30/20041483 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 365,000 01/30/20041531 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 380,000 08/30/20041538 SHIRE CIRCLE $ 320,000 10/15/2004 1517 SHIRE CR $ 395,000 05/03/20041432 SHIRE $ 326,000 12/06/2004678 SKYE LN $ 784,500 09/27/2004682 SKYE LN $ 710,000 07/09/2004800 N STERLING $ 685,500 07/30/2004869 N STERLING $ 507,500 04/22/2004825 STONE CANYON CIRCLE $ 540,000 05/24/2004133 STROME $ 452,000 07/19/20042160 W SUNSET DRIVE $ 347,500 06/21/20041863 TWEED $ 647,500 08/16/2004275 WILLOW RD. $ 485,000 08/30/2004352 WINDSOR LN $ 406,500 08/19/20041170 WOODBURN CT. $ 1,050,000 05/27/200417 W WOODVIEW LANE $ 1,272,000 05/25/2004

Continued from page 6.


We’ve ggot lloan oopportuni t ies a s bb i g aa s yy o u r dd r e a m hh o u s e .

Tom CramerHome Loan Consultant1250 S. Grove Ave.Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 277-7012 Office (847) 308-7012 Cell (847) 277-7206 Fax Web Site: http://home.countrywide.com/tomcramer

When it comes to offering a big list of ways to get you into your big dream home, Countrywide® is a true giantamong lenders. For example, our Zero Down Plus loan offers homebuyers a no down payment loan up to$440,000; add in 3% in financed closing costs and go up to $453,200. Other available options include:

Loans up to $400K with as little as 5% down— up to $650K with as little as 10% downLoans up to $2 million

In addition to these, if you want your loan in a big hurry, our exclusive Fast & Easy program eliminates the usualpaperwork and verification process for buyers with excellent credit. So call me today. This is one big opportunityyou won’t want to miss.

Equal Housing Lender. © 2004 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, 1135Wheaton Oaks Court, Wheaton, IL 60187; For Illnois properties only. Some products may not be available in all Illinois. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. 40314

The TOP 110 reasons NOT

Exclusive Publications1601 Colonial ParkwayInverness, Illinois [email protected]

Presort StdUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 333

Palatine, IL

That Internet thing is a fad.

I enjoy the status quo.

Over $100,000,000 in personal sales is hardly what I call experience.

No one would want to read about my home anyway.

I’m looking forward to next Christmas in my current house.

Being innovative is highly overrated.

I’m not accustomed to attentive, personal service.

Someone who is that aggressive with his marketing scares me.

My home wouldn’t look good in pictures.

I really don’t want to move.

to use CHRIS JACOBS

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to sell my house.

inverness winter 2005 copy

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